When you lose a loved one, the world seems to stop—yet, unexpectedly, a mountain of logistics suddenly appears. Between the emotional weight of grief and the pressure of making dozens of expensive decisions in a matter of hours, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
This is where a funeral concierge (also known as an end-of-life consultant) comes in. Unlike a funeral director who works for a specific funeral home, a concierge is your independent advocate.
At Laurel, we believe you should be a family member, not an event coordinator, during this time. Here is your guide on how to hire a funeral concierge and why it might be the most important call you make.
What Exactly is a Funeral Concierge?
Think of a funeral concierge as a “wedding planner for the end of life.” They are neutral professionals who guide you through the planning process, handle the heavy lifting of vendor coordination, and advocate for your budget and wishes.
Key services often include:
- Price Comparison: Researching funeral homes and cemeteries to ensure you get the best value.
- Logistics Management: Coordinating flowers, catering, music, and transportation.
- Administrative Support: Assisting with death certificates, obituary writing, and closing accounts (like credit cards or social media).
- Alternative Planning: Helping create non-traditional celebrations of life, home funerals, or green burials.
5 Steps to Hiring the Right Funeral Concierge
1. Start with a Consultation
Most concierges offer an introductory call. This is your chance to see if their personality aligns with your family’s needs. Do they listen more than they talk? Do they seem empathetic but organized? At Laurel, we start every relationship with a conversation to ensure we can truly lessen your burden.
2. Verify Independence
One of the biggest benefits of a concierge is their impartiality. Ensure the person you hire is not receiving kickbacks or commissions from specific funeral homes. They should be working for you, not a vendor.
3. Look for Industry Expertise
The funeral industry is complex and has its own language. You want someone with deep experience—ideally a licensed professional who understands the “behind the scenes” of funeral home operations. (For example, Laurel was founded by Andrew Feagler, a licensed funeral director, who brings over two decades of experience in the industry to every family he serves.)
4. Ask About “After-Care”
The work doesn’t end when the service is over. Ask potential concierges if they help with the “paperwork pile” that follows a death—such as notifying social security, managing life insurance claims, or protecting credit card points, and the list goes on.
5. Consider Pre-Planning
You don’t have to wait for a crisis to hire a concierge. Many people hire a funeral concierge for “Peace of Mind Pre-Planning.” This allows you to document your wishes and organize your affairs now, so your family doesn’t have to guess later.
Why Choose a Concierge Over “Doing It Alone”?
While you can plan a funeral yourself, the benefits of professional help are significant:
- Emotional Space: By outsourcing the “to-do list,” you give yourself permission to grieve and be present with your family.
- Cost Savings: An experienced concierge can often save you thousands by knowing which services are necessary and which are optional add-ons.
- A Personalized Legacy: Instead of a “cookie-cutter” service, a concierge helps you design a farewell that truly reflects your loved one’s unique life.
We Are Here to Help
At Laurel, we specialize in removing the burden of passing. Whether you are amid a loss or looking to get your own affairs in order, we provide the compassionate, expert guidance you need.
Ready to learn more? Schedule an introductory call today and let us take care of the rest.
